The Tea Party Isn’t Dead, Jim: Fiscal Cliff Vote Hangs In The Balance

The Tea Party, as we call them, seemed to have died when Republicans took control of the House in 2010.

Not true, as the Tea Party members voted in during mid-term elections hold the sway in the Fiscal drama. The Fiscal Cliff vote is due today, and as there seems to be a dead stand-still in the decision process, the side we thought had faded is back.

About 50 members elected to the House two years ago have challenged House Speaker John Boehner since they took office, according to Cliff Watch. More notably, many of them refused last year to push for a debt-ceiling bill because they said it didn’t cut federal spending enough.

Just last week the Tea Party demolished Boehner’s fiscal plan by refusing to compromise on a tax increase for any American, despite the House speaker suggesting extended tax cuts only for those making more than $1 million annually.

Democratic strategist Christy Setzer told Fox News:

“They lost in November, rather resoundingly, but still appear to be doubling down.”

Although liberal-minded political analysts and others repeatedly pronounce the Tea Party dead, said members continue to fight in Washington.

Retiring Representative Steven LaTourette, R-Ohio muses:

“It’s the same 40 to 50 chuckleheads that have screwed this place up all year. [Boehner has] done everything to make nice to them. Bring them along. It hasn’t mattered. I don’t fault him. He’s done his best.”

Group President Tim Phillips said:

“Conservatives are looking for a leader to fight against tax increases, to push back against wasteful government spending, and address the fiscal challenges in a bold way. Sadly, this plan leaves conservatives wanting.”

So the Tea Party is far from dead, and they appear to hold the key vote in today’s Fiscal Cliff decision.